Yes, But Does Verizon's Unlimited Data Plan Include a Phone That Doesn't Suck?

When you’re battling a rival whose device is widely referred to as the “JesusPhone,” you’ve got to do what you can to keep your competitive edge–or the appearance of one. So it was understandable that Verizon (VZ)–on the day before Apple (AAPL) launched the first iPhone in June 2007–announced to the utter indifference of an iPhone-addled world that its stores would be open late on iPhone day, even though there were no iPhones to be found in them. Just as it’s understandable that the company would prepare an “iPhone 3G Myths” document with which its battered sales force can fend off the iPhone-curious who wander into its stores. Sadly, there is one important question the document fails to address: Why Verizon passed on the chance to be the exclusive distributor of the iPhone when it was first given the chance three years ago. …